Image Forming Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus which is small in size and can be assembled in a shorter time is provided. The image formimg apparatus includes a support section for supporting a carriage and a common frame including a support section for supporting an image sensor. The common frame is realized by integral molding with resin, whereby it is possible to form the common frame in one process, compared with when a frame for the carriage and a frame for the image sensor are individually formed. Further, using the common frame eliminates need to assemble frames with different functions into one piece. As a result, the common frame can be formed at low cost and in a small size, and time spent for assemble of the image forming apparatus can be shortened.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that formsan image on a recording sheet by moving a movable recording unit in acrossing direction crossing a direction of conveyance of the recordingsheet while conveying the recording sheet, and that reads an imageformed on an original sheet while conveying the original sheet, andrelates to, for example, a facsimile apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

A serial-type image forming apparatus having a scanner function is, forexample, an inject-type facsimile apparatus (for example, refer toJapanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A 2001-103213). Theinkjet-type facsimile apparatus forms an image on a recording sheet bymoving a recording head in a crossing direction crossing a direction ofconveyance of the recording sheet while conveying the recording sheet.Moreover, the facsimile apparatus reads an image formed on an originalsheet while conveying the original sheet. The facsimile apparatusdisclosed in JP-A 2001-103213 is configured so that a reading portionreading an image is removable from a facsimile apparatus main body.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a facsimileapparatus 1 of another related art. The facsimile apparatus 1 of theother related art has an image reading unit 2, a reading driving frame3, an automatic sheet feeder unit 4 (referred to as an ASF unit 4hereafter), and an image forming unit 5. The units 2, 4, 5 and the frame3 described above are assembled into one piece, thereby forming part ofthe facsimile apparatus 1.

The reading driving frame 3 supports a reading driving motor, and isfixed to the image reading unit 2. The image reading unit 2 has an imagesensor that reads an image formed on an original sheet, and an originalsheet conveying portion that conveys an original sheet. The originalsheet conveying portion is given power by the reading driving motor,thereby conveying original sheets to the image sensor one by one.Moreover, the original sheet conveying portion conveys an original sheetfrom which an image has been read by the image sensor to an ejectingposition.

The ASF unit 4 conveys recording sheets placed on a recording sheetplacing portion to the image forming unit 5 one by one. The imageforming unit 5 has a recording sheet conveying portion that conveys arecording sheet in a conveying direction, and a cartridge drivingportion 7 that displaces and moves carriage 6 in a crossing directioncrossing the conveying direction. The carriage 6 is equipped with arecording head that emits ink.

The facsimile apparatus 1 controls jet-out timing to jet out ink fromthe recording head, a moving operation of a recording sheet in theconveying direction, and a moving operation of the carriage 6 in thecrossing direction. Consequently, it is possible to form an image on arecording sheet. The image forming unit 5 conveys a recording sheet onwhich an image has been formed to an ejecting position.

The image reading unit 2, the ASF unit 4, the image forming unit 5 andthe reading driving frame 3 are molded and processed into separatebodies, respectively, and the units 2, 4, 5 and the frame 3 areassembled into one piece, thereby forming part of the facsimileapparatus 1. Such a facsimile apparatus 1 requires rigidity of a frameof the image forming unit 5 in order to increase the quality of animage. Therefore, of the frame of the image forming unit 5, a pair ofside wall portions 8 and 9 formed on both sides in the crossingdirection are constructed of plate members made of metal. Such aconstruction is true of an image forming apparatus other than thefacsimile apparatus.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus of the related art,the image reading unit 2 and the image forming unit 5 are formed intoseparate bodies. Therefore, in order to configure the image formingapparatus, there is a need to assemble the units formed individually,with the result that there is a problem such that the image formingapparatus becomes large in size. Moreover, since the units are formedindividually, there is a problem such that it is impossible to form at alow cost and it is necessary to spend a lot of time to assemble.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a serial-typeimage forming apparatus capable of reading an image, which is small insize, can be assembled in a shorter time and can be produced at a lowcost.

The invention provides an image forming apparatus that forms an image ona recording sheet by moving a movable recording unit in a crossingdirection crossing a direction of conveyance of the recording sheetwhile conveying the recording sheet, and that reads an image formed onan original sheet by a reading unit while conveying the original sheet,

the image forming apparatus comprising:

a common frame that includes a recording component supporting frameportion that supports a recording component for recording an image on arecording sheet, and a reading component that supports a readingcomponent for reading an image formed on an original sheet,

wherein the common frame is realized by integral molding with resin.

According to the invention, the recording component supporting frameportion and the reading component supporting frame portion areintegrally molded, whereby it is possible to form a frame in oneprocess, compared with when a frame for image recording and a frame forimage reading are individually formed. Moreover, using the common frameeliminates need to assemble frames with different functions into onepiece.

Further, in the invention, it is preferable that the common frame has apair of side wall portions formed on both sides in the crossingdirection, and a plurality of connecting portions that connect the pairof side wall portions and extend in the crossing direction, and

the connecting portion includes a sheet guide that guides at least oneof a recording sheet and an original sheet at the time of conveyance ofa sheet.

According to the invention, the pair of side wall portions are connectedby the plurality of connecting portions, whereby it is possible to formthe common frame into a lattice frame shape, and it is possible toincrease the rigidity of the common frame. Moreover, since the sheetguide also serves as the connecting portion, there is no need toadditionally dispose a connecting portion that connects the pair of sidewall portions, and it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatusfrom becoming larger in size. Besides, a fixing process for fixing thesheet guide to the common frame is unnecessary.

Furthermore, in the invention, it is preferable that the image formingapparatus further comprises:

recording sheet conveying means for conveying a recording sheet;

a recording sheet conveying driving source for conveying a recordingsheet;

a recording sheet transmission mechanism that transmits power from therecording sheet conveying driving source to the recording sheetconveying means;

original sheet conveying means for conveying an original sheet;

an original sheet conveying driving source for conveying an originalsheet; and

an original sheet transmission mechanism that transmits power from theoriginal sheet conveying driving source to the original sheet conveyingmeans,

wherein the recording sheet conveying means, the recording sheetconveying driving source, the recording sheet transmission mechanism,the original sheet conveying means, the original sheet conveying drivingsource and the original sheet transmission mechanism are supported bythe common frame.

According to the invention, the respective conveying means, therespective conveying driving sources and the respective transmissionmechanisms are supported by the common frame, whereby it is possible toplace them so as to be close together with respect to the common frame.Consequently, it is possible to make the common frame small in size.Moreover, for example, by sharing at least part of the conveying means,the conveying driving sources and the transmission means, respectively,it is possible to further downsize the image forming apparatus.

Still further, in the invention, it is preferable that the recordingsheet conveying driving source and the original sheet conveying drivingsource are realized by a single common sheet conveying driving source.

According to the invention, the respective conveying means and therespective transmission means are provided on the common frame asdescribed above, so that it is possible to easily drive the recordingsheet conveying means and the original sheet conveying means by thesingle common sheet conveying driving source.

Still further, in the invention, it is preferable that a torquenecessary for the common sheet conveying driving source is set so as tobecome as small as possible while the required accuracy of conveyance ismaintained.

According to the invention, a torque necessary for the common sheetconveying driving source is set so as to become small, whereby it ispossible to suppress the amount of heat generated from the common sheetconveying driving source. Consequently, it is possible to prevent that atemperature in an area around the common sheet conveying driving sourcebecomes high.

Still further, in the invention, it is preferable that the image formingapparatus further comprises switching means for, in one of recordingsheet conveyance state and original sheet conveyance state, preventingtransmission of power to the conveying means used for the other sheetconveyance.

According to the invention, in one of recording sheet conveyance stateand original sheet conveyance state, transmission of power to theconveying means used for the other sheet conveyance is prevented,whereby it is possible to make a torque necessary for the common sheetconveying driving source small. For example, by preventing transmissionof power to the original sheet conveying means when conveying arecording sheet, it is possible to convey the recording sheet at a smallload. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the amount of heatgenerated from the common sheet conveying driving source.

Still further, in the invention, it is preferable that the switchingmeans operates in connection with displacement and movement of themovable recording unit.

According to the invention, the switching means switches a transmissionstate of power given from the common sheet driving source to theconveying means in connection with displacement and movement of themovable recording unit. Consequently, it is unnecessary to additionallydispose a power source for switching the power transmission state, andit is possible to switch the power transmission state of the drivingsource with a simple configuration.

Still further, in the invention, it is preferable that the switchingmeans prevents transmission of power to the original sheet conveyingmeans from the common sheet conveying driving source when the movablerecording unit has moved to an image forming position to perform imageformation, and allows transmission of power to the original sheetconveying means from the common sheet conveying driving source when themovable recording unit has moved to a standby position to stand by whenimage formation is not performed.

According to the invention, when the movable recording unit has moved tothe image forming position to perform image formation, transmission ofpower to the original sheet conveying means from the common sheetconveying driving source is prevented, with the result that the originalsheet conveying means is not driven when an image is formed on arecording sheet, and it is possible to decrease a torque necessary forthe common sheet conveying driving source.

Still further, in the invention, it is preferable that the originalsheet transmitting means includes a sun gear rotated by power given fromthe common sheet conveying driving source, a planet gear formed so as tomesh with the sun gear and make an angular displacement in a perimeterdirection of the sun gear, and a revolving arm member that supports theplanet gear so as to make an angular displacement in the perimeterdirection of the sun gear,

the original sheet conveying means includes a meshing gear capable ofmeshing with the planet gear having been displaced to a predeterminedmeshing position, and an original sheet conveying roller that rotates inaccordance with rotation of the meshing gear and conveys an originalsheet, and

the switching means has a switching member that, when the movablerecording unit has moved to the standby position, is displaced by themovable recording unit to displace the planet gear to the meshingposition, and that, when the movable recording unit has moved to a notstandby position, is displaced by the movable recording unit to displacethe planet gear to a not meshing position.

According to the invention, when the movable recording unit is placed inthe standby position, the recording mobile body displaces the switchingmember, thereby making the switching member capable of displacing theplanet gear to the meshing position. Then, when the sun gear rotates,the planet gear rotates and revolves, thereby being displaced to themeshing position and meshing with the meshing gear. Consequently, it ispossible to transmit power from the sun gear to the original sheetconveying roller via the meshing gear.

Moreover, when the movable recording unit is placed in the not standbyposition, the movable recording unit displaces the switching member,thereby causing the switching member to displace the planet gear to thenot meshing position. Then, a meshing state of the planet gear with themeshing gear is released. Consequently, it is possible to preventtransmission of power from the sun gear to the original sheet conveyingroller.

Still further, in the invention, it is preferable that the image formingapparatus further comprising two or more metal guiding bodies thatextend from the one side wall portion to the other side wall portion ofthe common frame and guide the movable recording unit in the crossingdirection.

According to the invention, the movable recording unit is guided in thecrossing direction by the plurality of metal guide bodies, whereby it ispossible to maintain a uniform interval between the movable recordingunit installed in the movable recording unit and a recording sheet. In acase where one metal guiding body, for example, one metal guiding shaftis disposed, the movable recording unit may make an angular displacementaround the metal guiding shaft. However, by disposing the plurality ofmetal guiding bodies, it is possible to reduce an angular displacementof the movable recording unit, and accurately maintain a uniforminterval between the movable recording unit and a recording sheet. Forexample, other than the metal guiding shaft, the metal guiding membermay be formed into a plate shape, or may be formed into a shaft shape.

Moreover, by guiding the movable recording unit by such a plurality ofmetal guiding shafts, it is possible to cause the movable recording unitto accurately move in the crossing direction even if the common framemolded with resin is deformed by heat and external force, and it ispossible to prevent decrease of the quality of a recorded image.

Still further, in the invention, it is preferable that the image formingapparatus is a facsimile apparatus.

According to the invention, the image forming apparatus is a facsimileapparatus. The facsimile apparatus comprises components necessary for afacsimile apparatus, such as communication control means for executingcommunication control and a dial operating portion with which theoperator inputs a dial operation, in addition to the functions thatperform image reading and image formation. In the invention, it ispossible to downsize the portions performing image reading and imageformation by using the common frame as described above, and it ispossible to downsize the facsimile apparatus as a whole even if thecommunication control means, the dial operating portion and so on aredisposed.

Moreover, in the case of formation of an image presented by image dataacquired via a communication line onto a recording sheet, there is acase where the quality of the image presented by the image data sentfrom the sender is low due to problems of a transmission speed, theamount of transmitted data and so on. In such a case, as the commonframe is used, it is possible to form the image presented by the imagedata sent from the sender of required image quality, as well as it ispossible to downsize and form at a low cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, features, and advantages of the inventionwill be more explicit from the following detailed description taken withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a facsimileapparatus 20 according to a first embodiment of the invention whileomitting partly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state where componentsillustrated in FIG. 1 are assembled;

FIG. 3 is a magnified perspective view illustrating a common frame;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view abstractly illustrating thefacsimile apparatus 20;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of thefacsimile apparatus 20;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the facsimileapparatus 20;

FIG. 7 is a view for describing a sheet conveying path of the facsimileapparatus 20;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of animage recording portion 50 and an image reading portion 51;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating power transmission mechanisms80, 90 and 110;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the facsimile apparatus 20 illustrating aconfiguration for conveying a recording sheet of the image recordingportion 50 in a simplified manner;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the facsimile apparatus 20 illustrating aconfiguration for driving to displace a carriage 66 of the imagerecording portion 50 in a simplified manner;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the carriage 66is supported;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the facsimile apparatus 20 illustrating aconfiguration for conveying an original sheet of the image readingportion 51 in a simplified manner;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are side views illustrating switching means thatswitches between a recording operation and a reading operation, in asimplified manner;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are side views taken on line S15-S15 of FIGS. 14A and14B;

FIG. 16 is a side view for describing a sheet conveying operation when arecording sheet is fed;

FIG. 17 is a side view for describing a sheet conveying operation whenan image is formed on a recording sheet;

FIG. 18 is a side view for describing a sheet conveying operation whenan image of an original sheet is read;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming operation of a maincontrol portion 47;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an image reading operation of themain control portion 47;

FIG. 21 is a side view illustrating part of a facsimile apparatusaccording to a second embodiment of the invention, for describing asheet conveying operation when an image is formed on a recording sheet;

FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating part of the facsimile apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the invention, for describing asheet conveying operation when an original is conveyed;

FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating part of the facsimile apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the invention, and illustrating aswitching member 130;

FIG. 24 is a partly magnified plan view illustrating the switchingmember 130;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating part of a facsimile apparatusaccording to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are plan views illustrating a bent piece 200 in asimplified manner;

FIGS. 27A and 27B are side views taken on line S27-S27 of FIGS. 26A and26B; and

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the facsimileapparatus 1 of the other related art.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Now referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the inventionare described below.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a facsimileapparatus 20 according to a first embodiment of the invention whileomitting partly. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state wherecomponents illustrated in FIG. 1 are assembled. FIG. 3 is a magnifiedperspective view illustrating a common frame 21, and FIG. 4 is anexploded perspective view abstractly illustrating the facsimileapparatus 20.

The facsimile apparatus 20 is configured so as to be connected to apublic network, for example, a telephone line, and be capable ofcommunicating with another facsimile apparatus connected to thetelephone line. The facsimile apparatus 20 is capable of reading animage formed on an original sheet and sending the read image in imagedata form to the other facsimile apparatus via the telephone line.Moreover, the facsimile apparatus 20 is capable of receiving image datasent from the other facsimile apparatus and forming the received imagedata in image form onto a recording sheet.

In the invention, an “original sheet” means a sheet from which an imageis read by the facsimile apparatus 20. A “recording sheet” means a sheeton which an image is formed by the facsimile apparatus 20. Both theoriginal sheet and the recording sheet may be referred to as a “sheet.”

The facsimile apparatus 20 has a common frame 21 that supports arecording component for recording an image on a recording sheet andsupports a reading component for reading an image. The common frame 21is held in a casing of the facsimile apparatus 20, and is formed byintegral molding with synthetic resin.

The common frame 21 includes a recording component supporting frameportion 26 and a reading component supporting frame portion 27. In thepresent embodiment, the recording component supporting frame portion 26is disposed upstream in a sheet conveying direction and downward,compared with the reading component supporting frame portion 27.

The recording component supporting frame portion 26 supports recordingcomponents for recording an image on a recording sheet. The recordingcomponents include a recording sheet feeding roller 61 that conveys arecording sheet, a main conveying roller 62, a recording sheet ejectingroller 70, and a carriage 66 that is equipped with an ink cartridge 74for forming an image on a recording sheet and serves as a movablerecording unit.

The reading component supporting frame portion 27 supports readingcomponents for reading an image formed on an original sheet. The readingcomponents include an original sheet feeding roller 63 that conveys anoriginal sheet, an original rear roller 64, an original sheet ejectingroller 75, and an image sensor 68 that serves as a reading unit forreading an image formed on an original sheet.

At the time of image formation and image reading, the facsimileapparatus 20 conveys a recording sheet and an original sheet in almostthe same directions. On the common frame 21, a sheet conveying directionA and a crossing direction B crossing the sheet conveying direction Aare set. The sheet conveying direction A is a direction in which arecoding sheet and an original sheet are conveyed. The crossingdirection B is a direction that extends along a sheet surface of aconveyed sheet and extends in perpendicular to the sheet conveyingdirection A. The common frame 21 rotatably supports the respectiverollers for conveying sheets. Axes of the respective rollers extend inthe crossing direction B. Moreover, the common frame 21 supports thecarriage 66 so as to be freely displaced in the crossing direction B.

Thus, the facsimile apparatus 20 of the present embodiment is configuredin a manner that the frame portion 26 for forming an image and the frameportion 27 for reading an image are integrated. Moreover, as describedlater, a portion for forming an image and a portion for reading anoriginal are partly shared. Consequently, it is possible to make theapparatus small and simplify the configuration, and it is possible toproduce at a low cost.

The common frame 21 has a pair of side wall portions 22 and 23 formed onboth sides in the crossing direction B, and connecting portions 24 and25 that connect the pair of side wall portions 22 and 23 and extend inthe crossing direction B. The pair of side wall portions 22 and 23rotatably support the recording sheet feeding roller 61, the mainconveying roller 62 and the recording sheet ejecting roller 70. Therecording sheet feeding roller 61, the main conveying roller 62 and therecording sheet ejecting roller 70 compose recoding sheet conveyingmeans for conveying a recording sheet.

Moreover, the pair of sidewall portions 22 and 23 rotatably support theoriginal sheet feeding roller 63, the original rear roller 64 and theoriginal sheet ejecting roller 75. The original sheet feeding roller 63,the original rear roller 64 and the original sheet ejecting roller 75compose original sheet conveying means for conveying an original sheet.In concrete, both ends of each of the rollers 61, 62, 70, 63, 64 and 75are fitted into fitting portions 30 formed on the pair of side wallportions 22 and 23, whereby the respective rollers 61, 62, 70, 63, 64and 75 are rotatably supported.

Further, the common frame 21 is provided with a first motor supportingportion 31 and a second motor supporting portion 32. The first motorsupporting portion 31 supports a sheet conveying motor 65. The firstmotor supporting portion 31 is disposed to the one side wall portion 22of the pair of side wall portions 22 and 23. For example, the sheetconveying motor 65 is supported on the common frame 21 directly orindirectly. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, thefirst motor supporting portion 31 is formed into a separate body fromthe common frame 21. The sheet conveying motor 65 serves as a sheetconveying driving source for conveying a recording sheet and an originalsheet.

The second motor supporting portion 32 supports a carriage motor 73. Thesecond motor supporting portion 32 is disposed to the connecting portion24 on the upstream side in the conveying direction A. In the presentembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the carriage motor 73 is formedinto a separate body from the common frame 21, and supported on thecommon frame 21 via a guiding plate member 125 described later. Thecarriage motor 73 serves as a carriage conveying driving source fordriving to displace the carriage 66.

Further, the common frame 21 supports a sheet conveying transmissionmechanism that transmits power of the sheet conveying motor 65 to therespective rollers 61, 62, 70, 63, 64 and 75. In the present embodiment,the common frame 21 supports the sheet conveying transmission mechanismat the one side wall portion 22. Moreover, the common frame 21 supportsa carriage conveying transmission mechanism that transmits power of thecarriage motor 73 to the carriage 66. In the present embodiment, thecommon frame 21 supports the carriage conveying transmission mechanismat the pair of side wall portions 22, 23 and the connecting portion 24on the upstream side in the conveying direction.

In the present embodiment, of the sheet conveying transmissionmechanism, recording sheet power transmitting means for transmittingpower from the sheet conveying motor 65 to the respective rollers 61, 62and 70 for image recording is realized by a gear transmission mechanism.In the same manner, original sheet power transmitting means fortransmitting power from the sheet conveying motor 65 to the respectiverollers 63, 64 and 75 for image reading is realized by a geartransmission mechanism. A carriage power transmission mechanism thattransmits power from the carriage motor 73 to the carriage 66 isrealized by a belt transmission mechanism.

Each of the connecting portions 24 and 25 of the common frame includes asheet guiding portion that guides at least one of a recording sheet andan original sheet in the conveying direction A. In the presentembodiment, part of the one connecting portion 24 of the two connectingportions serves as a guide that guides a recoding sheet on which animage has not been formed toward the recording sheet feeding roller 61.Moreover, part of the other connecting portion 25 of the two connectingportions serves as a guide that guides a recoding sheet fed from therecording sheet feeding roller 61 toward the main conveying roller 62.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of thefacsimile apparatus 20. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating thefacsimile apparatus 20. The facsimile apparatus 20 comprises a handset41, a network control portion 42, a dial key 43, an operation key 44, astoring portion 45, a modem 46, a main control portion 47, an imagestoring portion 49, an image recording portion 50, and an image readingportion 51.

The facsimile apparatus 20 of the present embodiment has a telephonefunction. The network control portion 42 sends and receivescommunication data compliant with a predetermined communicationsprotocol, and brings the apparatus to a state of being capable ofperforming data transmission with a telephone of the communicatingpartner or a facsimile apparatus of the communicating partner via apublic network or the like.

Moreover, the network control portion 42 gives voice data sent from thetelephone of the communicating partner to the handset 41, and also sendsvoice data given from the handset 41 to the telephone of thecommunicating partner. Furthermore, the network control portion 42 givesfacsimile data sent from the facsimile apparatus of the communicatingpartner to the modem 46, and also gives facsimile data given from themodem 46 to the facsimile apparatus of the communicating partner.

The handset 41 releases voice data given from the network controlportion 42 in voice form. Moreover, the handset 41 gives a voice emittedby the operator to the network control portion 42 in voice data form.The modem 46 converts facsimile data given from the network controlportion 42 into image data that can be read by the main control portion47, and gives to the main control portion 47. Moreover, the modem 46converts image data given from the main control portion 47 intofacsimile data that can be transmitted via a public network, and givesto the network control portion 42.

The dial key 43 is used when the operator inputs a number of a telephoneor a facsimile apparatus of the communicating partner, and givesinputted dial information to the main control portion 47. The operationkey 44 is used when the operator inputs an operation command to thefacsimile apparatus 20 such as an image reading operation, an imagerecording operation or a displaying operation, and gives inputtedoperation information to the main control portion 47. For example, thedial key 43 and the operation key 44 are realized by a push button or atouch panel.

The storing portion 45 stores operation setting information, a controlprogram and so on. The storing portion 45 gives the stored informationor program to the main control portion 45 by the command of the maincontrol portion 47. Moreover, the storing portion 45 stores informationgiven from the main control portion 47 by the command of the maincontrol portion 47. For example, the storing portion 45 is realized by aRAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory) or the like.

The main control portion 47 reads the operation setting information andthe control program stored in the storing portion 45 and executes,thereby controlling the respective operations of the facsimile apparatus20. The display portion 52 is capable of displaying a state of thefacsimile apparatus 20, and displaying an image to record on a recordingsheet and an image read from an original sheet. The display portion 52displays the respective images described above by the displaying commandgiven from the main control portion 47. For example, the display portion52 is realized by a liquid crystal display device.

The image recording portion 50 is given an image forming operationcommand and data of an image to record by the main control portion 47,and records the image onto a recording sheet placed on a recording sheetplacing portion 60. In the invention, “image recording” means printingof an image onto a recording sheet. The image recording portion 50 ofthe present embodiment records an image onto a recording sheet by theinkjet method of emitting ink toward a sheet.

The image reading portion 51 is given an image reading operation commandby the main control portion 47, thereby reading an image formed on anoriginal sheet placed on an original sheet placing portion 76 in imagedata form and giving the read image data to the main control portion 47.The image reading portion 51 of the present embodiment is realized so asto include a contact image sensor (CIS). The image sensor extends in thecrossing direction B, and is capable of reading a portion of one lineextending in the crossing direction B of an image formed on an originalsheet at one time.

The image storing portion 49 is given image data to store together witha storing operation command given by the main control portion 47,thereby storing the given image data in the form of information that canbe read by the main control portion. Moreover, the image storing portion49 is given a reading operation command given from the main controlportion 47, thereby giving the stored image data to the main controlportion 47. In the invention, “image storing” means electrically storingimage data. For example, the image storing portion 49 is realized by aRAM (random access memory).

Based on instruction information given from the dial key 43 and theoperation key 44, the main control portion 47 causes the image recordingportion 50 to perform an image forming operation, causes the imagereading portion 51 to perform an image reading operation, and causes thenetwork control portion 42 to perform a communication command operation.The main control portion 47 is realized by, for example, a CPU (centralprocessing unit).

In the case of an image reading operation, based on operationinformation given from the operation key 44, the main control portion 47causes the image reading portion 51 to operate so as to read an imageformed on an original sheet in image data form and store the read imagedata into the image storing portion 49. Moreover, in the case of animage data sending operation, the main control portion gives a commandto the network control portion 42 so as to access a facsimile apparatusof the communicating partner corresponding to dial information givenfrom the dial key 43. Then, image data corresponding to the operationinformation of the image data stored in the image storing portion 49 issent to the facsimile apparatus of the communicating partner.

Further, in the case of an image data receiving operation, whendetermining that image data is given from the network control portion42, the main control portion gives a command to the network controlportion 42 so as to access a communication apparatus of thecommunicating partner. Then, the image data is received from thecommunication apparatus of the communicating partner, and the receivedimage data is stored into the image storing portion 49. Furthermore, inthe case of an image recording operation, the main control portion 47causes the image recording portion 50 to operate based on operationinformation so as to form an image presented by image data correspondingto the operation information of image data stored in the image storingportion 49, onto a recording sheet.

FIG. 7 is a view for describing a sheet conveying path of the facsimileapparatus 20 while partly omitting. FIG. 8 is a block diagramillustrating an electrical configuration of the image recording portion50 and the image reading portion 51. The image recording portion 50includes the recording sheet placing portion 60, the recording sheetfeeding roller 61, a sheet separating portion 69, the main conveyingroller 62, the recording sheet ejecting roller 70, the sheet conveyingmotor 65, the carriage motor 73, and the carriage 66.

The recording sheet placing portion 60 holds a plurality of recordingsheets on which images have not been formed. The recording sheet placingportion 60 has an opening on a downstream side in the sheet conveyingdirection A. The sheet separating portion 69 is placed downstream in theconveying direction of an opening formed portion 60a of the recordingsheet placing portion 60, and the recording sheet feeding roller 61 isplaced so as to face the sheet separating portion 69. The sheetseparating portion 69 and the recording sheet feeding roller 61 extendin the crossing direction B (a direction perpendicular to a sheetsurface in FIG. 7). The recording sheet feeding roller 61 is pressedtoward the sheet separating portion 69 by pressing means having anresilient force such as a spring or rubber.

The main conveying roller 62 is placed downstream in the sheet conveyingdirection A of the recording sheet feeding roller 61, and extends in thecrossing direction B. The recording sheet ejecting roller 70 is placeddownstream in the sheet conveying direction A of the main conveyingroller 62, and extends in the crossing direction B. Axes of therespective rollers 61, 62 and 70 extend in parallel to each other. Therecording sheet feeding roller 61, the main conveying roller 61 and therecording sheet ejecting roller 70 are driven to rotate by power givenfrom the sheet conveying motor 65. Moreover, on the common frame 21, afirst pinch roller 71 and a second pinch roller 72 are disposed. Thefirst pinch roller 71 faces the main conveying roller 61 and presses themain conveying roller 61, and is rotatably supported by the common frame21. The second pinch roller 72 faces the recording sheet ejecting roller70 and presses the recording sheet ejecting roller 70, and is rotatablysupported by the common frame 21.

The recording sheet feeding roller 61 and the respective pinch rollers71, 72 are placed on one side in a thickness direction of a conveyedrecording sheet. Moreover, the sheet separating portion 69, the mainconveying roller 62 and the recording sheet ejecting roller 70 areplaced on the other side in the thickness direction of the conveyedrecording sheet. Therefore, the main conveying roller 62 and therecording sheet ejecting roller 65 rotate in a normal rotation directionR1 that is one of rotation directions, and the recording sheet feedingroller 61 rotates in a reverse rotation direction R2 that is the otherof the rotation directions, whereby a recording sheet is conveyed in theconveying direction A. The facsimile apparatus 20 forms an image on asurface on one side in the thickness direction of a recording sheet.

The recording sheets placed on the recording sheet placing portion 60move from the opening formed portion 60a of the recording sheet placingportion 60 toward the sheet separating portion 69, and portions thereofon the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction A enter betweenthe sheet separating portion 69 and the recording sheet feeding roller61. The sheet separating portion 69 abuts on the other face in athickness direction of a recording sheet stack composed of the pluralityof stacked recording sheets. Moreover, the recording sheet feedingroller 61 abuts on one face in the thickness direction of the recordingsheet stack. The recording sheet feeding roller 61 rotates in thereverse rotation direction R2 around an axis thereof in a state ofpressing the recording sheet stack against the sheet separating portion69, thereby feeding and conveying one recording sheet in touch with therecording sheet feeding roller 61 of the plurality of recording sheets,toward the main conveying roller 62.

The recording sheet conveyed toward the main conveying roller 62 entersbetween the main conveying roller 62 and the first pinch roller 71. Themain conveying roller 62 rotates in the normal rotation direction R1,thereby moving the recording sheet in the conveying direction A andmaking the recording sheet pass through an image forming position. Then,the recording sheet enters between the recording sheet ejecting roller70 and the second pinch roller 72. The recording sheet ejecting roller70 rotates in the normal rotation direction R1, thereby moving therecording sheet to an ejecting position.

Between the main conveying roller 62 and the recording sheet ejectingroller 70, the image forming position is set. The image forming positionis a position to emit ink to a recording sheet and form an image. Thecarriage 66 faces a recording portion located in the image formingposition of the recording sheet. The carriage 66 is disposed so as to becapable of moving in the crossing direction B, thereby serving as amovable recording unit equipped with an ink recording head. The carriage66 is given power to move in the crossing direction B by the carriagemotor 73.

The carriage 66 holds the ink cartridge 74 so as to be removable. Theink cartridge 74 has an ink tank that contains ink, and the inkrecording head serving as a function element that emits ink. Thecartridge 74 is connected to the main control portion 47 by a flexiblecable having flexibility. When given an ink emitting command by the maincontrol portion 47 via the flexible cable, the ink cartridge 74 emitsink to the recording portion located in the image forming position ofthe recording sheet.

The motors 66 and 73 are connected to the main control portion 47 bycables, respectively. When given rotation commands by the main controlportion 47 via the cables, the motors 66 and 73 make angulardisplacements individually. The main control portion 47 can cause thecarriage 66 to move in the crossing direction B by giving a rotationcommand to the carriage motor 73. Moreover, the main control portion 47can move a recording sheet in the sheet conveying direction A by givinga rotation command to the sheet conveying motor 65.

The main control portion 47 gives a rotation command to the carriagemotor 73 and controls ink emission timing so as to coincide with aposition in the crossing direction B of the ink cartridge 74, whereby aportion of one line of an image to form can be formed on a recordingsheet. When printing of the portion of one line is completed, the maincontrol portion 47 gives a rotation command to the sheet conveying motor65, and causes the main conveying roller 62 to make an angulardisplacement and move the recording sheet by one line in the conveyingdirection A, and again makes a portion of one line of the image to formformed on the recording sheet. The main control portion 47 repeats suchan operation, whereby it is possible to form an image on one recordingsheet.

The image reading portion 51 includes the original sheet placing portion76, separation rubber 77, the original sheet feeding roller 63, theoriginal rear roller 64, the image sensor 68 serving as an originalreading sensor, the original sheet ejecting roller 75, and the sheetconveying motor 65. The sheet conveying motor 65 of the image readingportion 51 is realized by a single motor that is identical to the sheetconveying motor 65 of the image recording portion 50.

The original sheet placing portion 76 holds a plurality of originalsheets from which images have not been read. The original sheet placingportion 76 has an opening on the downstream side in the sheet conveyingdirection A. The separation rubber 77 is placed downstream in theconveying direction of an opening formed portion 76 a of the originalsheet placing portion 76, and the original sheet feeding roller 63 isplaced so as to face the separation rubber 77. The separation rubber 77and the original sheet feeding roller 63 extend in the crossingdirection B. The original sheet feeding roller 63 is pressed toward theseparation rubber 77 by pressing means having an resilient force such asa spring or rubber.

The original rear roller 64 is placed downstream in the sheet conveyingdirection A of the original sheet feeding roller 63, and extends in thecrossing direction B. The original sheet ejecting roller 75 is placeddownstream in the sheet conveying direction A of the original rearroller 64, and extends in the crossing direction B. Axes of therespective rollers 63, 64 and 75 extend in parallel to each other. Theoriginal sheet feeding roller 63, the original rear roller 64 and theoriginal sheet ejecting roller 75 are driven to rotate by power givenfrom the sheet conveying motor 65. Moreover, a pinch roller 77 thatpresses the original sheet ejecting roller 75 and is rotatably disposedis provided on the common frame 21.

The separation rubber 77, the original sheet rear roller 64 and thepinch roller 77 are placed on one side in a thickness direction of aconveyed original sheet. Moreover, the original sheet feeding roller 63,the image sensor 68 and the original sheet ejecting roller 75 are placedon the other side in the thickness direction of the conveyed originalsheet. Consequently, the original sheet feeding roller 63 and theoriginal sheet ejecting roller 75 rotate in the normal rotationdirection R1 that is one of the rotation directions, and the originalsheet rear roller 64 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2 thatis the other of the rotation directions, where by an original sheet isconveyed. The facsimile apparatus 20 reads an image formed on a surfaceon the other side in the thickness direction of an original sheet.

The original sheets placed on the original sheet placing portion 76 movefrom the opening formed portion 76 a of the original sheet placingportion 76 toward the separation rubber 77, and portions thereof on thedownstream side in the sheet conveying direction A enter between theseparation rubber 77 and the original sheet feeding roller 63. Theseparation rubber 77 abuts on one face in a thickness direction of anoriginal sheet stack composed of the plurality of stacked originalsheets. Moreover, the original sheet feeding roller 63 abuts on theother face in the thickness direction of the original sheet stack. Theoriginal sheet feeding roller 63 rotates in the normal rotationdirection R1 around an axis thereof in a state of pressing the originalsheet stack against the separation rubber 77, thereby feeding andconveying one original sheet in touch with the original sheet feedingroller 63 of the plurality of original sheets, toward the original rearroller 64.

The original sheet conveyed toward the original rear roller 64 entersbetween the original rear roller 64 and the image sensor 68. Theoriginal rear roller 64 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2,thereby moving the original sheet in the conveying direction A andmaking the original sheet pass on the image sensor 68. Then, theoriginal sheet enters between the original sheet ejecting roller 75 andthe pinch roller 77. The original sheet ejecting roller 75 rotates inthe normal rotation direction R1, thereby moving the original sheet toan ejecting position.

By rotating, the original rear roller 64 moves an original sheet in theconveying direction A while pressing the original sheet against imagesensor 68. The image sensor 68 reads a portion of one line extending inthe crossing direction B of an image formed on the original sheet inimage data form at one time. The image sensor 68 gives the image dataread by one line to the main control portion 47. Therefore, bysynthesizing the image data given to the main control portion 47 as theoriginal sheet entirely passes through the image sensor 68, it ispossible to read the image formed on the original sheet in image dataform.

In the present embodiment, the image recording portion 50 is providedwith a recording sheet detection sensor 78 that detects whether afeeding state of a recording sheet is normal or not. The recording sheetdetection sensor 78 gives the main control portion 47 a signalpresenting whether feeding of a recording sheet is present or absent.The main control portion 47 is given the signal by the recording sheetdetection sensor 78, thereby being capable of determining whetherfeeding of a recording sheet is present or absent. The recording sheetdetection sensor 78 is realized by, for example, an optical sensor, andgives the main control portion 47 a signal presenting a light receivingstate that changes in accordance with a feeding state of a recordingsheet.

The image reading portion 51 is provided with an original sheetdetection sensor 79 that detects whether a feeding state of an originalsheet is normal or not. The original sheet detection sensor 79 gives themain control portion 47 a signal presenting whether feeding of anoriginal sheet is present or absent. The main control portion 47 isgiven the signal by the original sheet detection sensor 79, therebybeing capable of determining whether feeding of an original sheet ispresent or absent. The original sheet detection sensor 79 is realizedby, for example, an optical sensor, and gives the main control portion47 a signal presenting a light receiving state that changes inaccordance with a feeding state of an original sheet.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating power transmission mechanisms80, 90 and 110. A driving gear 100 is placed on a shaft 99 of the sheetconveying motor 65. The driving gear 100 meshes with a reference gear101 supported by the common frame 21. The reference gear 101 isrotatably supported by the common frame 21, and disposed so as to becapable of rotating normally and reversely. The reference gear 101 isprovided at a middle portion in the conveying direction of the commonframe 21.

The recording gear transmission mechanism 80 is placed upstream in theconveying direction with respect to the reference gear 101. Therecording gear transmission mechanism 80 includes a first recording gear81, a second recording gear 82, a third recording gear 83, a fourthrecording gear 84, a fifth recording gear 85, and a recording revolvingarm member 86. The first to third recording gears 81 to 83 are rotatablysupported on the common frame 21. The fourth and fifth recording gears84 and 85 are supported by the recording revolving arm member 86.

The recording revolving arm member 86 is disposed so as to be capable ofmaking an angular displacement around an axis of the third recordinggear 83 and capable of rotating, and is supported on the common frame21. The fourth recording gear 84 is supported by the recording revolvingarm member 86 so as to be capable of making an angular displacement, ina state of being pressed by a spring or the like against an abuttingportion of the recording revolving arm member 86. That is to say, thefourth recording gear 84 rotates in a state where a load is appliedthereto. Consequently, in a state where the recording revolving armmember 86 is allowed to make an angular displacement, when the thirdrecording gear 83 rotates, the recording revolving arm member 86 makesan angular displacement, and the fourth and fifth recording gears 84 and85 rotate and revolve. The first to fifth recording gears line up inorder of first to fifth from upstream to downstream in the conveyingdirection.

The first recording gear 81 meshes with the reference gear 101, androtates together with the reference gear 101. The second recording gear82 serves as an idle gear meshing with the first recording gear 81. Thethird recording gear 83 meshes with the second recording gear 82, andserves as a sun gear for the fourth and fifth recording gears 84 and 85.The fourth recording gear 84 meshes with the third recording gear 83,and serves as a planet gear for the third recording gear 83. The fifthrecording gear 85 meshes with the fourth recording gear 84, and servesas a planet gear for the third recording gear 83. The recordingrevolving arm member 86 switches between a state where a displacement ina perimeter direction around the third recording gear 83 is allowed anda state where the displacement in the perimeter direction around thethird recording gear 83 is prevented. In concrete, when the recordingsheet feeding roller 61 abuts on a recording sheet, the recordingrevolving arm member 83 switches to the state where the displacement isprevented.

When the reference gear 101 rotates, the first to fifth recording gears81 to 85 rotate, respectively. In a state where the recording revolvingarm member 86 is allowed to move in the perimeter direction around thethird recording gear 83, the fourth and fifth recording gears 84 and 85revolve around the axis of the third recording gear 83, and also rotatearound axes thereof, respectively. Moreover, in a state where therecording revolving arm member 86 is prevented from moving in theperimeter direction around the third recording gear 83, the fourth andfifth recording gears 84 and 85 are prevented from revolving around theaxis of the third recording gear 83, and rotate.

The main conveying roller 62 is connected coaxially with the firstrecording gear 81. Moreover, the recording sheet feeding roller 61 isconnected coaxially with the fifth recording gear 85. Therefore, as thefirst recording gear 81 rotates, the main conveying roller 62 and therecording sheet feeding roller 61 rotate. In the same manner, therecording sheet ejecting roller 70 is rotated by a gear transmissionmechanism that is not illustrated in the drawing as the sheet conveyingmotor 65 rotates.

When the sheet conveying motor 65 reversely rotates, the recordingrevolving arm member 86 is given power to make an angular displacementin one direction of the perimeter direction about the axis of the thirdrecording gear 83 by the fourth recording gear 84. The one direction ofthe perimeter direction is a direction in which the recording sheetfeeding roller 61 approaches a recording sheet placed on the recordingsheet placing portion 60 (a direction denoted by arrow D in FIG. 8).

By thus transmitting power to the recording sheet feeding roller 61, themain conveying roller 62 and the recording sheet ejecting roller 70 bythe plurality of gears 81 to 85, it is possible to increase choices ofpositions to place the recording sheet feeding roller 61, the mainconveying roller 62 and the recording sheet ejecting roller 70 withrespect to the sheet conveying motor 65. Moreover, it is possible tocause the recording sheet feeding roller 61 to rotate in a directiondifferent from those of the main conveying roller 62 and the recordingsheet ejecting roller 70 when rotating the sheet conveying motor 65 inone direction.

Further, the facsimile apparatus 20 has switching means for switchingbetween a state where transmission of power from the sheet conveyingmotor 65 to the original sheet feeding roller 64 and the original sheetejecting roller 64 is allowed and a state where the power transmissionis prevented. The switching means is supported on the common frame 21,and switches a conveying state in a case where the carriage 66 exists ina specified position. In the present embodiment, the switching meansincludes a switching gear transmission mechanism 110 composed of aplurality of gears 111 and 112. The switching gear transmissionmechanism 110 is supported on the one side wall portion 22 of the commonframe 21.

The switching gear transmission mechanism 110 is placed downstream inthe conveying direction with respect to the reference gear 101. Theswitching gear transmission mechanism 110 includes a first switchinggear 111, a second switching gear 112, and a switching revolving armmember 113. The first switching gear 111 is rotatably supported on thecommon frame 21. The second switching gear 112 is rotatably supported bythe switching revolving arm member 113.

The switching revolving arm member 113 is disposed so as to be capableof making an angular displacement around an axis of the first switchinggear 111 and capable of rotating, and is supported on the common frame21. The second switching gear 112 is supported by the switchingrevolving arm member 113 so as to be capable of making an angulardisplacement, in a state of being pressed by a spring or the likeagainst an abutting portion of the switching revolving arm member 113.That is to say, the second switching gear 112 rotates in a state where aload is applied thereto. Consequently, in a state where the switchingrevolving arm member 112 is allowed to make an angular displacement,when the first switching gear 111 rotates, the switching revolving armmember 112 makes an angular displacement, and the second switching gear112 rotates and revolves.

The first switching gear 111 meshes with the reference gear 101, androtates together with the reference gear 101. The first switching gear111 meshes with the second switching gear 112, and serves as a sun gearfor the second switching gear 112. Therefore, the second switching gear112 serves as a planet gear for the first switching gear 111. Theswitching revolving arm member 113 switches between a state where adisplacement in a perimeter direction around the first switching gear111 is allowed and a state where the displacement in the perimeterdirection around the first switching gear 111 is prevented.

When the reference gear 101 rotates, the first and second switchinggears 111 and 112 rotate, respectively. In a state where the switchingrevolving arm member 113 is allowed to move in the perimeter directionaround the first switching gear 111, the second switching gear 112revolves around the axis of the first switching gear 111, and alsorotates around an axis thereof Moreover, in a state where the switchingrevolving arm member 113 is prevented from moving in the perimeterdirection around the first switching gear 111, the second switching gear112 is prevented from revolving around the axis of the first switchinggear 111, and rotate.

When the sheet conveying motor 65 normally rotates, the switchingrevolving arm member 113 is given power to make an angular displacementin one direction of the perimeter direction about the axis of the firstswitching gear 111 by the second switching gear 112. The one directionof the perimeter direction is a direction in which the second switchinggear 112 approaches a first reading gear 91 of a reading geartransmission mechanism 90 described later (a direction denoted by arrowE in FIG. 8).

In a reading operation state, a switching piece 138 allows the switchingrevolving arm member 113 to make an angular displacement. Consequently,the second switching gear 112 moves downward in the conveying directionto be located in a reading operation meshing position, thereby meshingwith the first reading gear 91 described later. Moreover, in a stateother than the reading operation state, the switching revolving armmember 113 is latched by the switching piece 138 and driven to move to anot reading position. Consequently, the second switching gear 112 movesupward in the conveying direction to be located in a not readingoperation meshing position, whereby a meshing state with the firstreading gear 91 is released.

The reading gear transmission mechanism 90 is placed downstream in theconveying direction with respect to the switching gear switchingmechanism 110. The reading gear transmission mechanism 90 includes afirst reading gear 91, a second reading gear 92, a third reading gear93, a fourth reading gear 94, a fifth reading gear 95, a sixth readinggear 96, and a seventh reading gear 97. The first to seventh readinggears 91 to 97 are rotatably supported on the common frame 21. Both thesecond reading gear 92 and the seventh reading gear 97 are placed on thedownstream side in the conveying direction of the second reading gear92. Moreover, the second reading gear 92 is placed upstream in theconveying direction of the seventh reading gear 97.

The first reading gear 91 meshes with the second switching gear 112having moved to the reading operation meshing position, and rotatestogether with the second switching gear 112. The second reading gear 92meshes with the first reading gear 91. The third reading gear 93 mesheswith the second reading gear 92. The fourth reading gear 94 meshes withthe second reading gear 92. The fifth reading gear 95 meshes with thefourth reading gear 94. The sixth reading gear 96 meshes with the fifthreading gear 95. The seventh reading gear 97 meshes with the sixthreading gear 96. Accordingly, when the first reading gear 91 rotates,the second to seventh reading gears 92 to 97 rotate, respectively.

The original sheet feeding roller 63 is connected coaxially with thethird reading gear 93. Moreover, the original sheet ejecting roller 64is connected coaxially with the seventh recording gear 97. Therefore, asthe first reading gear 91 rotates, the original sheet feeding roller 63and the original sheet ejecting roller 64 rotate. With the geartransmission mechanism, it is possible to cause the original sheetfeeding roller 63 to rotate in a direction different from that of theoriginal rear face roller 64 when rotating the sheet conveying motor 65in one direction.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the facsimile apparatus 20 illustrating aconfiguration for conveying a recording sheet 120 of the image recordingportion 50, in a simplified manner. The one side wall portion 22 of thecommon frame 21 supports the recording sheet feeding roller 61 at oneend thereof. The recording sheet feeding roller 61 is formed so as to becapable of approaching and leaving the recording sheet 120 placed on therecording sheet placing portion 60. Since the recording sheet feedingroller 61 is supported at one end thereof, it is possible to make theapparatus 20 small in size.

The pair of side wall portions 22 and 23 of the common frame 21 supportend portions of the main conveying roller 62, respectively. Moreover,the first pinch rollers 71 are disposed in positions facing the mainconveying roller 62. The plurality of first pinch rollers 71 extend inthe crossing direction B, and abut on part of the recording sheet 120,respectively. In the present embodiment, four first pinch rollers 71 areformed. The respective first pinch rollers 71 abut on the recordingsheet 120 passing by the main conveying roller 62, and are placed atalmost equal intervals in the crossing direction B.

The pair of side wall portions 22 and 23 of the common frame 21 supportend portions of the recording sheet ejecting roller 70, respectively.Moreover, the second pinch rollers 72 are disposed in positions facingthe recording sheet ejecting roller 70. The plurality of second pinchrollers 72 abut on part of the recording sheet 120, respectively. In thepresent embodiment, four second pinch rollers 72 are formed. Therespective second pinch rollers 72 abut on the recording sheet 120 onwhich an image has been formed, and are placed at almost equal intervalsin the crossing direction B. Since the second pinch rollers 72 come incontact with an image formation face of a recording sheet on which animage has been formed, it is preferred that the second pinch rollers arestar rollers formed like gears. Consequently, it is possible to preventa formed image from being blurred, and it is possible to make a torquenecessary for the sheet conveying motor 65 small.

As the sheet conveying motor 65 rotates, the respective gears 81 to 85constituting the recording gear transmission mechanism 80 rotate, andthe recording sheet feeding roller 61, the main conveying roller 62 andthe recording sheet ejecting roller 70 rotate. The recording sheetfeeding roller 61 holds the recording sheet 120 in cooperation with thesheet separating portion 69. Moreover, the main conveying roller 62holds the recording sheet in cooperation with the first pinch rollers71. Furthermore, the recording sheet ejecting roller 70 holds therecording sheet in cooperation with the second pinch rollers 72. As therespective rollers rotate around the axes in a state of holding therecording sheet, it is possible to convey the recording sheets 120placed on the recording sheet placing portion 60 one by one to theejecting position.

Power to press the recording sheet feeding roller 61 against the sheetseparating portion 69, power to press the first pinch rollers 71 againstthe main conveying roller 62 and power to press the second pinch rollers72 against the recording sheet roller 70 are set so that a torquenecessary for the sheet conveying motor 65 becomes as small as possiblewhile the required accuracy of conveyance is maintained.

In the facsimile apparatus 20, there is a case where the quality of animage presented by image data sent from the sender is low because of atransmission speed, the amount of transmitted data and so on. In thiscase, the required accuracy of conveyance is low. In the presentembodiment, the power with which the rollers press the recording sheetis set so as not to be excessive and so as to be as small as possible,and is set so that a torque necessary for the sheet conveying motor 65becomes as small as possible while the required accuracy of conveyanceis maintained.

Consequently, it is possible to suppress the amount of heat generatedfrom the sheet conveying motor 65, and it is possible to prevent that atemperature in an area around the sheet conveying motor 65 becomes highwhen conveying a recording sheet. Accordingly, even when the commonframe 21 is formed with synthetic resin, it is possible to preventdeformation of the common frame 21 because of heat generation of themotor, and it is possible to prevent decrease of the quality of imageformation because of thermal deformation.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the facsimile apparatus 20 illustrating aconfiguration for driving to displace the carriage 66 of the imagerecording portion 50, in a simplified manner. In order to drive todisplace the carriage 66 in the crossing direction, the image recordingportion 50 has the carriage motor 73, a belt driving gear 121, a beltdriven gear 122, a carriage conveying belt 123, a guiding shaft 124, theguiding plate member 125, and a guiding member guide 126.

The carriage motor 73 is supported on the common frame 21. The beltdriving gear 121 is placed on a shaft 98 of the carriage motor 73. Thebelt driven gear 122 is placed in line with the belt driving gear 121 inthe crossing direction B, and is rotatably supported on the common frame21. The belt driving gear 121 is disposed close to the one side wallportion 22 of the common frame 21, and the belt driven gear 122 isdisposed close to the other side wall portion 23 of the common frame 21.

The carriage conveying belt 123 is wound between the belt driving gear121 and the belt driven gear 122. The carriage conveying belt 123 has aconnecting potion that connects with the carriage 66. Therefore, whenthe belt driving gear 121 is rotated by the carriage motor 73, thecarriage 66 moves in the crossing direction B together with theconnecting portion of the carriage conveying belt 123.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the carriage 66is supported. The guiding shaft 124 extends in the crossing direction Bin the vicinity of the carriage conveying belt 123, and has a columnarshape. The guiding shaft 124 is inserted loosely into an insertion holeformed in the carriage 66, and end portions thereof are supported by thepair of sidewall potions 22 and 23 of the common frame 21, respectively.Moreover, the guiding member 125 extends in the crossing direction B,and has a plate shape. End portions of the guiding member 125 aresupported by the pair of side wall portions 22 and 23 of the commonframe 21, respectively. The guiding member 125 has a guiding projection129 extending in the crossing direction B.

The guiding member guide 126 is fixed to the carriage 66, and has afitting concavity that fits with the guiding projection 129 of theguiding member 125. The fitting concavity has openings on both sides inthe crossing direction B. Therefore, the carriage 66 can move in thecrossing direction B in a state where the guiding projection 129 of theguiding member 125 fits into the fitting concavity of the guiding memberguide 126.

The carriage 66 is guided by the guiding shaft 124 and the guidingmember 125, thereby being allowed to move in the crossing direction Band prevented from moving in other directions. Moreover, by supportingthe carriage 66 by the two guiding bodies 124 and 125, it is possible toprevent the carriage 66 from making an angular displacement around theguiding shaft 124, and it is possible to keep a uniform distance Lbetween the conveyed recording sheet 120 and the ink recording head.Furthermore, by forming the guiding plate member 125 and the guidingshaft 124 with metal, it is possible to suppress decrease of the qualityof a formed image even if the common frame 21 is thermally deformed.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the facsimile apparatus 20 illustrating aconfiguration for conveying an original sheet 330 of the image readingportion 51, in a simplified manner. The one side wall portion 22 of thecommon frame 21 supports the original sheet feeding roller 63 at one endthereof. Since the original sheet feeding roller 63 is supported at oneend thereof, it is possible to make the apparatus 20 small in size.

The pair of side wall portions 22 and 23 of the common frame 21 supportend portions of the original rear roller 64, respectively. Moreover, theimage sensor 68 is disposed in a position facing the original rearroller 64. As the sheet conveying motor 65 rotates, the respective gears91 to 97 constituting the original gear transmission mechanism 90rotate, and the original sheet feeding roller 63 and the original rearroller 64 rotate. The original sheet feeding roller 63 holds theoriginal sheet in cooperation with the separation rubber 77. Moreover,the original rear roller 64 holds the original sheet in cooperation withthe image sensor 68. As the respective rollers rotate around the axes ina state of holding the original sheet, it is possible to convey therecording sheets 120 placed on the original sheet placing portion 76 oneby one to the ejecting position.

Further, the original rear roller 64 is configured so as to be removablefrom the common frame 21. By removing part of the casing of thefacsimile apparatus 20, and then removing the original rear roller 64from the common frame 21, it is possible to expose the image sensor 68.In this state, the operator can eliminate dust attaching to the imagesensor 68 and clean the image sensor 68, whereby it is possible toprevent decrease of the quality of reading.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are side views illustrating switching means thatswitches between a recording operation and a reading operation, in asimplified manner. FIGS. 15A and 15B are side views taken on lineS15-S15 of FIGS. 14A and 14B. FIGS. 14A and 15A illustrate a recordingoperation state, and FIGS. 14B and 15B illustrate a reading operationstate.

The facsimile apparatus 20 has switching means for switching a conveyingstate between a recording operation and a reading operation. Theswitching means switches between a recording operation conveying stateand a reading operation conveying state in connection with a position ofthe carriage 66. In the recoding operation conveying state, powertransmission from the sheet conveying motor 65 to the original geartransmission mechanism 90 is prevented. Moreover, in the readingoperation conveying state, power transmission from the sheet conveyingmotor 65 to the original gear transmission mechanism 90 is allowed.

In the present embodiment, when the carriage 66 comes off a printingregion where it is possible to form an image on a recording sheet, andmoves close to the other side wall portion 23 of the common frame 21,the switching means switches to the reading operation conveying state.Moreover, when the carriage 66 is placed in the printing region, theswitching means switches to the recoding operation conveying state. Inconcrete, the switching means has a switching piece 130, a first springbody 131, and the aforementioned switching gear transmission mechanism110. For explanation, a direction from the other side wall portion 23toward the one side wall portion 22 will be referred to as one directionB1 of the crossing direction, and a direction from the one side wallportion 22 toward the other side wall portion 23 will be referred to asthe other direction B2 of the crossing direction.

The switching piece 130 extends in the crossing direction B, and issupported on the frame 21so as to be capable of sliding in the crossingdirection B. On an end portion in the other direction B2 of the crossingdirection of the switching piece 130, a latch portion 135 latched by thecarriage 66 is formed. Moreover, on an end portion in the one directionB1 of the crossing direction of the switching piece 130, a taperedportion 136 that is smaller in size in the conveying direction than theremaining part, and a wide portion 137 that is formed in the otherdirection B2 of the crossing direction from the tapered portion 136 andprotrudes upstream in the conveying direction of the tapered portion 136are formed.

On the end portion in the one direction B1 of the crossing direction ofthe switching piece 130, an abutting portion 138 formed on the switchingrevolving arm member 133 abuts. The abutting portion 138 abuts on a sideface on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the switchingpiece 130. A side face on the upstream side in the conveying directionof the tapered potion 136 is smoothly connected to that of the wideportion 137. Therefore, the abutting portion 138 abuts so as to becapable of sliding along the tapered portion 136 and the wide portion137. The first spring body 131 connects the common frame 21 and theswitching piece 130. The first spring body 131 gives the switching piece130 a force toward the one direction B1 of the crossing direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 14A, when the carriage 66 exists in the printingregion, the switching piece 130 moves in the one direction B1 of thecrossing direction by spring force of the first spring body 131.Consequently, the abutting portion 138 abuts on the wide portion 137 ofthe switching piece 130, and moves upstream in the conveying direction.As the switching revolving arm member 113 moves upstream in theconveying direction as the abutting portion 138 moves, a meshing stateof the second switching gear 112 with the first reading gear is releasedas illustrated in FIG. 15A. Consequently, transmission of power of thesheet conveying motor 65 to the reading gear transmission mechanism 90is prevented.

As illustrated in FIG. 14B, when the carriage 66 comes off the printingregion and moves to a standby position 140 in the other direction B2 ofthe crossing direction, the latch portion 135 of the switching piece 130engages with the carriage 66, and the switching piece 130 moves in theother direction B2 of the crossing direction together with the carriage66. The switching piece 130 moves in the other direction B2 of thecrossing direction against the spring force of the first spring body131. Consequently, an abutting state of the abutting portion 138 of theswitching revolving arm member 113 on the wide portion 137 is released,and the switching revolving arm member 113 is allowed to make an angulardisplacement to the downstream side in the conveying direction, namely,brought into an allowed state. In this state, as illustrated in FIG.15B, the switching first gear rotates in the normal rotation directionR1, and the switching revolving arm member 113 moves downstream in theconveying direction, whereby the second switching gear 112 meshes withthe first reading gear 91. Consequently, it becomes possible to transmitpower of the sheet conveying motor 65 to the reading gear transmissionmechanism 90.

Thus, switching between the recoding sheet conveying state and theoriginal sheet conveying state is performed by changing a mooringposition of the abutting portion 138 of the switching revolving armmember 113 that moors on the switching piece 130. In concrete, it ispossible to change the mooring position of the abutting portion 138, bymoving the carriage 66 to a specified position by the carriage motor 73.As illustrated in FIG. 14B, it is preferred that a position of thecarriage 66 when power of the sheet conveying motor 65 is transmitted tothe reading gear transmission mechanism 90 is set to a position off theprinting region, where the recording head faces a recording headreceiving portion 139.

The recording head receiving portion 139 is a member that covers therecording head in order to prevent clogging of an emission hole due todryness of the recording head and contamination due to leakage of ink,and is fixed to a specified position outside the printing region. Sincean operation is switched to an original sheet conveying operation whenthe carriage is placed in the standby position, there is no need toespecially move the carriage 66 for the original sheet conveyingoperation, and it is possible to switch between the recording sheetconveying operation and the original sheet conveying operation with asimple configuration and control.

FIG. 16 is a side view for describing a sheet conveying operation when arecording sheet is fed. A direction of rotation of the sheet conveyingmotor 65 when an image is formed on the recording sheet 120 is thenormal rotation direction R1 (a clockwise direction in FIG. 16). On thecontrary, when a recording sheet is fed, the sheet conveying motor 65 isrotated in the reverse rotation direction R2 (a counterclockwisedirection in FIG. 16). Consequently, the reference gear 101 rotates inthe normal rotation direction R1, the first recording gear 81 rotates inthe reverse rotation direction R2, the second recording gear 82 rotatesin the normal rotation direction R1, and the third recording gear 83rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2.

As the third recording gear 83 rotates in the reverse rotation directionR2, power to rotate in the reverse rotation direction R2 around the axisof the third recording gear 83 is given to the recording revolving armmember 86. Consequently, the recording revolving arm member 86 makes anangular displacement in a direction approaching the recording sheet, andthe fourth and fifth recording gears 84 and 85 rotate in the reverserotation direction R2 around the axis of the third recording gear 83together with the recording revolving arm member 86.

Therefore, the recording sheet feeding roller 61 connected to the fifthrecording gear 85 comes in contact with the recording sheet, and therecording revolving arm member 86 is prevented from making an angulardisplacement. Then, the recording sheet feeding roller 61 rotates in thereverse rotation direction R2 together with the fifth recording gear 85.As the recording sheet feeding roller 61 rotates in the reverse rotationdirection R2 in contact with the recording sheet, it is possible toconvey the recording sheet to the downstream side in the conveyingdirection.

At this moment, the main conveying roller 62 rotating together with thefirst recording gear 81 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2 inwhich the recording sheet cannot be conveyed. Consequently, therecording sheet conveyed by the recording sheet feeding roller 61 abutson the main conveying roller 62, whereby a skew of the recording sheetis corrected, and the recording sheet stays in a position between themain conveying roller 12 and the first pinch rollers 71.

Further, when a recording sheet is fed, the carriage 66 is placed in aposition other than the standby position as illustrated in FIG. 14A. Asdescribed above, the switching revolving arm member 113 is moored by thewide portion 137 of the switching piece 130, and the second switchinggear 112 is prevented from meshing with the first reading gear 91.Consequently, the gears 91to 96 of the reading gear transmissionmechanism 90 are prevented from rotating, and it is possible to decreasea torque necessary for the sheet conveying roller 65 at the time offeeding of a recording sheet.

FIG. 17 is a side view for describing a sheet conveying operation whenan image is formed on a recording sheet. When an image is formed on arecording sheet, the recording sheet is placed between the mainconveying roller 62 and the first pinch rollers 71, and thereafter, thesheet conveying motor 65 is rotated in the normal rotation direction R1(a clockwise direction in FIG. 17). Consequently, the reference gear 101rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2, the first recording gear81 rotates in the normal rotation direction R1, the second recordinggear 82 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2, and the thirdrecording gear 84 rotates in the normal rotation direction R1.

As the third recording gear 83 rotates in the normal rotation directionR1, the recording revolving arm member 86 is given power to rotate inthe normal rotation direction R1 around the axis of the third recordinggear 83. Consequently, the recording revolving arm member 86 makes anangular displacement in a direction leaving the recording sheet.

Accordingly, the recording sheet feeding roller 61 connected to thefifth recording gear 85 leaves the recording sheet. As the recordingsheet feeding roller 61 leaves the recording sheet, when an image isformed on the recording sheet, feeding of a new recording sheet can beprevented. Moreover, it is possible to decrease a torque necessary forthe sheet conveying roller 65 at the time of image formation.

At this moment, the main conveying roller 62 rotating together with thefirst recording gear 81 rotates in the normal rotation direction R1 inwhich a recording sheet is conveyed. Consequently, the recording sheetabutting on the main conveying roller 62 is conveyed downstream in theconveying direction as the main conveying roller 62 rotates in a statewhere the recording sheet is held between the main conveying roller 62and the first pinch rollers 71. Then, the main control portion 47controls an angular displacement operation of the main conveying roller62, a position of the carriage 66 and ink emission timing, whereby it ispossible to form an image on the recording sheet.

Further, when an image is formed on a recording sheet, the carriage 66is placed in the printing region outside the standby position asillustrated in FIG. 14A. As described above, the mesh of the secondswitching gear 112 and the first original gear 91 is prevented, androtation of the gears 91 to 96 of the reading gear transmissionmechanism 90 is prevented. Therefore, it is possible to decrease atorque necessary for the sheet conveying roller 65 at the time of imageformation.

FIG. 18 is a side view for describing a sheet conveying operation whenan image of an original sheet is read. When an image of an originalsheet is read, the sheet conveying motor 65 is rotated in the normalrotation direction R1 (a clockwise direction in FIG. 18) and thereference gear 101 is rotated in the reverse rotation direction R2, in astate where a recording sheet does not abut on the main conveying roller62. Moreover, when an image of an original sheet is read, the carriage66 is placed in the standby position. As the carriage 66 is moved to thestandby position, the second switching gear 112 and the first originalgear 91 mesh with each other as illustrated in FIG. 15B.

In concrete, when the reference gear 101 is rotated in the reverserotation direction R2, the first switching gear 111 rotates in thenormal rotation direction R1. As the first switching gear 111 rotates inthe normal rotation direction R1, power to rotate in the normal rotationdirection R1 around the axis of the first switching gear 111 is given tothe switching revolving arm member 113, and the second switching gear112 and the first original gear 91 mesh with each other.

When the first switching gear 111 rotates in the normal rotationdirection R1, the second switching gear 112 rotates in the reverserotation direction R2. Moreover, the first original gear 91 meshing withthe second switching gear 112 rotates in the normal rotation directionR1. When the first original gear 91 rotates in the normal rotationdirection R1, the second original gear 92 rotates in the reverserotation direction R2, the third original gear 93 rotates in the normalrotation direction R1, the fourth original gear 94 rotates in the normalrotation direction R1, the fifth original gear 95 rotates in the reverserotation direction R2, the sixth original gear 96 rotates in the normalrotation direction R1, and the seventh original gear 97 rotates in thereverse rotation direction R2.

Consequently, the original sheet feeding roller 63 connected to thethird original gear 93 rotates in the normal rotation direction R1 in astate of abutting on the original sheet. Therefore, it is possible toconvey the original sheet to the downstream side in the conveyingdirection. The original sheet fed by the original sheet feeding roller63 abuts on the sheet rear roller 64. The original rear roller 64connected to the seventh original gear 97 rotates in the reverserotation direction R2 while coming in contact with the original sheet.As the original rear roller 64 rotates in the reverse rotation directionR2, it is possible to make the original sheet pass through between theoriginal rear roller 64 and the image sensor 68 and eject to theejecting position.

Further, when the sheet conveying motor 65 is rotated in the normalrotation direction R1, the recording sheet feeding roller 61 connectedto the fifth recording gear 85 as described above leaves the recordingsheet. As the recording sheet feeding roller 61 leaves the recordingsheet, it is possible to prevent that the recording sheet is fed when animage of the original sheet is read. Moreover, it is possible todecrease a torque necessary for the sheet conveying roller 65 at thetime of image reading.

The main conveying roller 62 rotating together with the first recordinggear 81 rotates in the normal rotation direction R1 in which therecording sheet is conveyed. However, during the original readingoperation, the recording sheet does not abut on the main conveyingroller 62, and therefore, the recording sheet is not conveyed even ifthe main conveying roller 62 rotates, with the result that it ispossible to decrease a torque necessary for the sheet conveying roller65 at the time of original reading.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming operation of themain control portion 47. First, when the main control portion 47determines that a command to form an image on a recording sheet is givenat step a0, the procedure goes to step a1 and the image formingoperation is started.

For example, when the facsimile apparatus 20 is given facsimile datafrom another facsimile apparatus in a state of being connected to atelephone line, the main control portion 47 determines that the commandto form an image on a recording sheet is given, and the procedure goesto step a1. Moreover, for example, when operation information presentinga command to form an image stored in the image storing portion 49 isgiven with the operation key, the main control portion 47 determinesthat the command to form an image on a recording sheet is given, and theprocedure goes to step a1.

At step a1, the main control portion 47 gives the carriage motor 73 acommand so that the carriage 66 comes off the standby position. When thecarriage 66 comes off the standby position, the procedure goes to stepa2. At step a2, the sheet conveying motor 65 is rotated in the reverserotation direction R2, and the procedure goes to step a3. Thus, feedingof a recording sheet is started.

At step a3, the main control portion 47 is given a signal presentingwhether feeding of the recording sheet is completed or not by therecording sheet detection sensor 78. When the main control portion 47determines that feeding of the recording sheet has been normallyperformed based on the signal given by the recording sheet detectionsensor 78, the procedure goes to step a5. Moreover, when the maincontrol portion 47 determines that feeding of the recording sheet hasnot been normally performed, the procedure goes to step a4. At step a4,the main control portion 47 reports a feeding error, and the proceduregoes to step a7 and the main control portion 47 terminates the imageforming operation.

At step a5, the main control portion 47 acquires image data presentingan image to form from the image storing portion 49 or the modem 46, andcontrols the carriage motor 73, the sheet conveying motor 65 and inkemission timing based on the image data.

In concrete, the recording sheet is conveyed by one line to thedownstream side in the conveying direction while the carriage 66 iscaused to reciprocate in the crossing direction B by the carriage motor73, and ink is emitted from an ink emission point to a positioncorresponding to the image to form, whereby the image is formed on therecording sheet. At the time of image formation, the sheet conveyingmotor 65 is rotated in the normal rotation direction R1. When the maincontrol portion determines that image formation is completed, theprocedure goes to step a6.

At step a6, the main control portion 47 gives a signal to the carriagemotor 73 so as to move the carriage 66 to the standby position.Moreover, rotation of the sheet conveying motor 65 is stopped, and theprocedure goes to step a7. At step a7, the main control portion 47terminates the image forming operation.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an image reading operation of themain control portion 47. First, when the main control portion 47determines that a command to read an image of an original sheet is givenat step b0, the procedure goes to step b1 and the image readingoperation is started. For example, when operation information presentingthe image reading command is given with the operation key, the maincontrol portion 47 determines that the command to read an image of anoriginal sheet is given, and the procedure goes to step b1.

At step b1, the main control portion 47 gives the carriage motor 73 acommand so that the carriage 66 locates in the standby position. Whenthe carriage 66 is placed in the standby position, the procedure goes tostep b2. At step b2, the sheet conveying motor 65 is rotated in thenormal rotation direction R1, and the procedure goes to step b3. Thus,feeding of the original sheet is started.

At step b3, the main control portion 47 is given a signal presentingwhether feeding of the original sheet is completed or not by theoriginal sheet detection sensor 79. When the main control portion 47determines that feeding of the original sheet has been normallyperformed based on the signal given by the original sheet detectionsensor 79, the procedure goes to step b5. Moreover, when the maincontrol portion 47 determines that feeding of the original sheet has notbeen normally performed, the procedure goes to step b4. At step b4, themain control portion 47 reports a feeding error, and the procedure goesto step b6 and the main control portion 47 terminates the image readingoperation.

At step b5, the main control portion 47 causes the sheet conveying motor65 to convey the original sheet, and acquires image data given by theimage sensor 68. At the time of image reading, the sheet conveying motor65 is rotated in the normal rotation direction R1. When the main controlportion determines that image reading is completed, the main controlportion stops rotation of the sheet conveying motor 65 and the proceduregoes to step b6. At step b6, the main control portion 47 terminates theimage reading operation.

As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus 20 according tothe first embodiment of the invention, the recording componentsupporting frame portion 26 and the reading component supporting frameportion 27 are integrally molded, whereby the common frame 21 is formed.Consequently, compared with a case where a supporting frame for amovable recording unit and a supporting frame for image reading meansare individually formed, it is possible to form a frame in one process,and form at a low cost. Moreover, by forming by molding with resin, itis impossible to easily form even if the common frame 21 has acomplicated shape.

Further, since the recording component supporting frame portion 26 andthe reading component supporting frame portion 27 are formed into onepiece, there is no need to assemble the frame for the movable recordingunit and the frame for the image reading means into one piece as in therelated art, and it is possible to shorten time spent for assemble ofthe image forming apparatus. Moreover, since the frames are formed intoone piece, a connecting portion such as a screw hole for connecting therespective frames is not necessary, and it is possible to make thefacsimile apparatus 20 small in size.

Further, as the pair of side wall portions 22 and 23 of the common frame21 are connected by the plurality of connecting portions 24 and 25, itis possible to form the common frame 21 into a lattice frame shape.Consequently, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the commonframe 21. Therefore, even if the common frame 21 is formed withsynthetic resin, it is possible to obtain rigidity required as theframe. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress decrease of the accuracyof sheet conveyance resulting from deformation of the frame, and it ispossible to suppress decrease of the accuracy of image recording and theaccuracy of image reading.

Further, as the connecting portions 24 and 25 form part of the sheetguides, there is no need to additionally dispose a connecting portionfor connecting the pair of side wall portions 22 and 23, and it ispossible to prevent the facsimile apparatus from becoming large in size.Moreover, a fixing process for fixing the sheet guide to the commonframe 21 is not necessary, and it is possible to further shorten timespent for assemble of the facsimile apparatus 20.

Further, by disposing the respective conveying means, the respectiveconveying driving sources and the respective transmission mechanismsrelating to recording sheet conveyance and original sheet conveyance onthe common frame 21, it is possible to place them close together, it ispossible to make the common frame 21 small in size, and it is possibleto make the facsimile apparatus 20 space-saving. Moreover, by makingpart or all of the respective conveying means, the respective conveyingdriving sources and the respective transmission means shared, it ispossible to further downsize the facsimile apparatus 20.

In the present embodiment, the one sheet conveying motor 65 serves asboth the recording sheet conveying driving source and the original sheetconveying driving source, so that it is possible to reduce the number ofthe motors required and a space for installing the motors, and it ispossible to further downsize the facsimile apparatus 20 and configure ata low cost.

Further, by preventing transmission of power from the sheet conveyingmotor to the original sheet conveying means in the recording sheetconveying state by the switching means for switching a conveying state,it is possible to decrease a torque necessary for the sheet conveyingmotor 65. Consequently, it is possible to use a low-torque motor, and itis possible to form at a low cost.

Further, it is possible to suppress the amount of heat generated fromthe sheet conveying motor 65. By thus suppressing the amount of heatgenerated from the sheet conveying motor 65, it is possible to suppressdeformation of the common frame 21 due to heat even if the common frame21 is formed with resin and the sheet conveying motor 65 is supported onthe common frame 21. Consequently, it is possible to prevent decrease ofthe quality of image formation due to thermal deformation caused by thesheet conveying motor 65.

Further, in the present embodiment, the switching means switches aconveying state in connection with a movement of the carriage 66, thatis, in connection with a placement state with respect to the standbyposition. By using a planet gear and a sun gear in a configuration ofthe switching means, it is possible to switch a conveying state bysimple control such as control of a rotation direction of the sun gearand change of control of a position of the carriage 66. Therefore, it isnot necessary to additionally dispose driving means for switching atransmission state, such as a solenoid, and it is possible to make thefacsimile apparatus 20 small in size and realize at a low cost.

Further, pressing forces by which the respective pinch rollers 71, 72and 75 press the respective rollers 62, 70 and 77 are set so as tobecome as small as possible while required accuracy of image formationis maintained. Consequently, it is possible to prevent decrease of theaccuracy of image formation and the accuracy of image reading, andreduce a torque necessary for the sheet conveying motor 65, and it isalso possible to suppress decrease of the quality of an image due toheat generation of the motor. By thus suppressing the amount of heatgenerated from the sheet conveying motor 65, it is possible to suppressdeformation of the common frame 21 due to heat even if the common frame21 is formed with resin and the sheet conveying motor 65 is supported onthe common frame 21. Therefore, it is possible to prevent decrease ofthe quality of image formation due to thermal deformation caused by thesheet conveying motor 65.

Further, it is preferred that the main control portion 47 executesslow-up control of gradually increasing a rotation speed and attaining atarget speed so that torques generated by the sheet conveying motor 65and the carriage motor 73 do not exceed a predetermined value.Consequently, compared with a case where a rotation speed is abruptlyincreased, it is possible to reduce torques necessary for the sheetconveying motor 65 and the carriage motor 73, and it is possible tofurther suppress the amount of heat generated by the respective motors65 and 73.

Further, it is preferred that the sheet conveying motor 65 and thecarriage motor 73 use rotors whose moment of inertia is low. Forexample, by using a PM motor (permanent magnet motor) using a rotor madeof plastic resin containing magnet, it is possible to suppress theamount of heat generation of the motor. Consequently, even if the commonframe 21 is formed with resin, it is possible to prevent thermaldeformation, and maintain the quality of an image required of a formedimage. Moreover, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce atorque necessary for the sheet conveying motor 65, and it is possible toapply even a PM motor whose moment of inertia is small as the drivingsource of each of the rollers.

Further, it is preferred that the respective gears and the common frame21 are made of synthetic resins having almost equal coefficients ofthermal expansion. Consequently, in a case where a temperature in anarea around the facsimile apparatus 20 changes, the respective gears andthe common frame 21 contract or expand almost equally. Consequently, agap between a shaft portion of each of the gears and an insertion holeformed on the common frame for inserting the shaft portion of the geardoes not change largely, and it is possible to prevent decrease of theaccuracy of conveyance.

Further, by guiding the carriage 66 in the crossing direction B by theguiding shaft 124 and the guiding plate member 125 that are made ofmetal, it is possible to maintain a uniform interval between therecording head installed in the carriage 66 and a recording sheet.Therefore, even if the common frame 21 is deformed by heat and externalforce, it is possible to accurately move the carriage 66 in the crossingdirection B, and it is possible to suppress decrease of the quality ofan image formed on a recording sheet.

Further, by using the aforementioned common frame 21 in the facsimileapparatus 20, it is possible to downsize portions that execute imagereading and image formation and, even if other components such ascommunication control means and a dial operating portion are necessary,it is possible to downsize the facsimile apparatus as a whole. Moreover,in the case of formation of an image presented by image data acquiredvia a communication line onto a recording sheet, there is a case wherethe quality of the image presented by the image data sent from thesender is low due to problems of a transmission speed, the amount oftransmitted data and so on. In such a case, by using the common frame21, by using the common frame 21, it is possible to form the imagepresented by the image data sent from the sender of required imagequality, as well as it is possible to downsize and form at a low cost.

Further, in the present embodiment, by rotating the sheet conveyingmotor 65 in the reverse rotation direction R2, it is possible to feedand convey a recording sheet just before the main conveying roller 62.Moreover, by rotating the sheet conveying motor 65 in the normalrotation direction R1, it is possible to form an image onto therecording sheet conveyed just before the main conveying roller 62 whilepreventing feeding of a recording sheet. Thus, by switching a rotationdirection of the sheet conveying motor 65, it is possible to switchbetween a conveying state for feeding a recording sheet and a conveyingstate for image formation on a recording sheet, and it is possible tosimplify the control and configuration.

There is a case where a recording sheet conveyed by the recording sheetfeeding roller 61 skews with respect to the main conveying roller 62 andenters between the main conveying roller 62 and the pinch rollers 71. Byreversely rotating the main conveying roller 62 at the time of feedingof a recording sheet, it is possible to put a tip of the recording sheetto the main conveying roller 2 and make the recording sheet parallel tothe main conveying roller 2, whereby it is possible to prevent skew.

FIG. 21 is a side view illustrating part of a facsimile apparatusaccording to a second embodiment of the invention, for describing asheet conveying operation when an image is formed on a recording sheet.FIG. 22is a side view illustrating part of the facsimile apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the invention, for describing asheet conveying operation when an original sheet is conveyed. In FIGS.21 and 22, the switching gear transmission mechanism 110 and the readinggear transmission mechanism 90 are illustrated, and illustration of therecording gear transmission mechanism 80 is omitted.

FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating part of the facsimile apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the invention, and illustratingthe switching member 130. FIG. 24 is a magnified plan view illustratingpart of the switching member 130. In FIGS. 23 and 24, a solid linepresents a state where the carriage 66 is in a position other than thestandby position, and a chain double-dashed line presents a state wherethe carriage 66 is in the standby state.

The facsimile apparatus of the second embodiment is the same inconfiguration as the facsimile apparatus 20 of the first embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1 except for switching means and a gearconfiguration. Therefore, the different portions will be described, andthe same components will not be described and will be denoted by thesame reference numerals.

In concrete, the reference gear 101 transmits power to an indirect gear300, and the indirect gear 300 meshes with the first switching gear 111.Moreover, the reading gear transmission mechanism 90 transmits powerfrom the second reading gear 92 to a feeding gear to which an originalsheet feeding roller is connected, a rear gear to which an originalsheet rear roller is connected, and a sheet ejecting gear to which anoriginal sheet ejecting roller gear is connected. The power istransmitted via other gears so that the feeding gear rotates in onedirection of a perimeter direction and the rear gear and the sheetejecting gear rotate in the other direction of the perimeter directionwhen the second reading gear 92 rotates.

In a case where the carriage 66 is located in positions other than thestandby position, the wide portion 137 of the switching piece 130 facesthe abutting portion 138 of the switching revolving arm member 113 asillustrated in FIG. 21. In this state, when the sheet conveying motor 65rotates in a rotation direction in which a recording sheet is conveyed,power by which the switching revolving arm member 113 moves in adirection approaching the first reading gear 91 is given. At thismoment, the abutting portion 138 of the switching revolving arm member113 abuts on the wide portion 137 of the switching piece 130, and themesh of the second switching gear 112 and the first reading gear 91 isprevented.

In a case where the carriage 66 is located in the standby position, thetapered portion 136 of the switching piece 130 faces the abuttingportion 138 of the switching revolving arm member 113 as illustrated inFIG. 22. In this state, when the sheet conveying motor 65 rotates in therotation direction in which a recording sheet is conveyed, power bywhich the switching revolving arm member 113 moves in a directionapproaching the first reading gear 91 is given. Since the taperedportion 136 of the switching piece 130 is formed depressed in theconveying direction from the wide portion 137, an angular displacementof the switching revolving arm member 113 is allowed, the switchingrevolving arm member 133 makes an angular displacement, and the secondswitching gear 112 and the first reading gear 91 mesh with each other.Thus, the facsimile apparatus of the second embodiment is capable ofproducing the same effect as the facsimile apparatus of the firstembodiment though the gear configuration is different from that of thefacsimile apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating part of a facsimile apparatusaccording to a third embodiment of the invention. The facsimileapparatus of the third embodiment is the same in configuration as thefacsimile apparatus 20 of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1except for switching means. Therefore, the different portion will bedescribed, and the same components will not be described and will bedenoted by the same reference numerals. Switching means of the facsimileapparatus of the third embodiment includes a bent piece 200 bent like anL shape, a supporting member 101 for supporting the bent piece 200 so asto be capable of making an angular displacement, and a spring body 202.

The bent piece 200 has a carriage abutting portion 200 a that abuts onthe carriage 66, and a revolving arm member abutting portion 200 that isbent from the abutting portion and abuts on the abutting portion 138 ofthe switching revolving arm member 113. The bent piece 200 is disposedclose to the one side wall portion 22. As the carriage abutting portion200 a of the bent piece 200 moves in the crossing direction, therevolving arm member abutting portion 200 b moves in the conveyingdirection. As the carriage 66 moves the carriage abutting portion 200 ain the one direction of the crossing direction, the revolving arm memberabutting portion 200 b moves downstream in the conveying direction. Thespring body 202 connects the revolving arm member abutting portion 200 band the common frame 21, and gives power to go upstream in the conveyingdirection to the revolving arm member abutting portion 200 b. Moreover,the abutting portion 138 of the switching revolving arm member 113 abutson the revolving arm abutting portion 200 b on the upstream side in theconveying direction.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are plan views illustrating the bent piece 200 in asimplified manner. FIGS. 27A and 27B are side views taken on lineS27-S27 of FIGS. 26A and 26B. FIGS. 26A and 27A illustrate a recordingoperation state, and FIGS. 26B and 27B illustrate a reading operationstate. In the other facsimile apparatus 20, the standby position of thecarriage 66 is set close to the one side wall portion.

As illustrated in FIG. 26A, in a case where the carriage 66 exists inthe printing region, the bent piece 200 is in a state where therevolving arm member abutting portion 200 b is located upstream in theconveying direction due to spring force of the spring body 202. As theabutting portion 138 of the switching revolving arm member 113 abuts onthe revolving arm member abutting portion 200 b of the bent piece 200,the switching revolving arm member 113 is prevented from movingdownstream in the conveying direction, and the mesh of the secondswitching gear 112 and the first reading gear is released, asillustrated in FIG. 27A. Consequently, it is prevented that power of thesheet conveying motor 65 is transmitted to the reading gear transmissionmechanism 90.

As illustrated in FIG. 26B, in a case where the carriage 66 comes offthe printing region and exists in the standby position, the carriageabutting portion 200 a of the bent piece 200 abuts. Consequently, thebent piece 200 makes an angular displacement against the spring force ofthe spring body 202, and the revolving arm member abutting portion 200 bmoves downstream in the conveying direction. Consequently, asillustrated in FIG. 27B, the abutting portion 138 of the switchingrevolving arm member 113 can move downstream in the conveying direction,and the first switching gear 111 rotates in the normal rotationdirection R1, where by the second switching gear 112 and the firstreading gear 91 mesh with each other. Consequently, it is allowed thatpower of the sheet conveying motor 65 is transmitted to the reading geartransmission mechanism 90.

As described above, the facsimile apparatus of the third embodiment isalso capable of producing the same effect as the facsimile apparatus ofthe first embodiment. Moreover, the configuration of the switchingmember that prevents and allows an angular displacement of the switchingrevolving arm member 113 is not limited to the aforementionedconfiguration and may be other configurations. For example, it ispossible to use a solenoid, thereby moving the switching member andswitching between a state where an angular displacement of the switchingrevolving arm member 113 is allowed and a state where prevented.

Further, the facsimile apparatuses of the aforementioned first to thirdembodiments are merely examples of the invention, and it is possible tochange the configurations within the scope of the invention. Forexample, in the aforementioned embodiments, application of the inventionto a facsimile apparatus equipped with an inkjet-type printer isdescribed, but it is also possible to apply to an image formingapparatus of thermal transfer type, sublimatic thermal transfer type ordot impact type. That is to say, it is possible to apply to aserial-type image forming apparatus that moves a recording head in adirection crossing a conveying direction of a recording sheet whileconveying the recording sheet.

Further, the power transmission mechanism that transmits power from thesheet conveying roller to the respective rollers 61, 62 and 70 forconveying a recording sheet and the respective rollers 63, 64 and 75 forconveying an original sheet is realized by such a configuration that thegears are directly connected. However, the power transmission mechanismis not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured byusing another mechanism such as a belt or a chain, or by using both thegears and another mechanism.

Further, the configuration of the switching means is an example, and maybe any configuration as far as a conveying state can be switched. Forexample, a conveying state may be switched by using a solenoid. However,it is preferable to drive the switching means by using power used formoving the carriage 66, because it is not necessary to additionallydispose a driving source for driving the switching means.

Further, in the present embodiment, in order to reduce a torquenecessary for the sheet conveying motor 65, in a case where a recordingsheet conveying operation is performed, power transmission to therespective rollers 63 and 64 serving as the original sheet conveyingmeans is prevented. However, in a case where a recording sheet conveyingoperation is performed, power transmission to part or all of the gearsof the gear line for conveying an original sheet may be prevented.Moreover, in a case where an original sheet conveying operation isperformed, power transmission to part or all of the gears of the gearline for conveying a recording sheet may be prevented. Furthermore, inthe present embodiment, the motor is shared in order to save a space,but part or all of the conveying means, the conveying driving sourcesand the transmitting means relating to recording sheet conveyance andoriginal sheet conveyance may be shared.

Further, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the firstmotor supporting portion 31 and the second motor supporting portion 32are formed into separate bodies from the common frame 21. However, thefirst motor supporting portion 31 and the second motor supportingportion 32 may be formed on the common frame 21.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription and all changes which come within the meaning and the rangeof equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the invention, it is possible to form the common frame thatsupports the movable recording unit and the image reading means in onemolding process, and it is possible to form at a low cost, compared witha case where a frame for image recording and a frame for image readingare individually formed. Moreover, by forming by molding with resin, itis possible to easily form even if the common frame has a complicatedshape.

Further, since a frame portion for image recording and a frame portionfor image reading are formed into one piece, there is no need toassemble a frame for the movable recording unit and a frame for theimage reading means into one piece as in the related art, and it ispossible to shorten time spent for assemble of the image formingapparatus. Moreover, since the frames are formed into one piece, aconnecting portion such as a latch portion, a nail portion or a screwhole formed portion for connecting the respective frames is notnecessary, and it is possible to make the apparatus small in size.

Further, according to the invention, as the pair of side wall portionsare connected by the plurality of connecting portions, it is possible toincrease the rigidity of the common frame. Consequently, even if theframe portion for image recording and the frame portion for imagereading are molded with resin, it is possible to prevent that therigidity becomes insufficient. Accordingly, it is possible to suppressdecrease of the accuracy of image recording and the accuracy of imagereading. Moreover, as the sheet guide also serves as the connectingportion, it is possible to prevent the facsimile apparatus from becominglarge in size. Since a fixing process for fixing the sheet guide to thecommon frame is not necessary, it is possible to further shorten timespent for assemble of the image forming apparatus.

For example, one of the sheet guides may be a guide that guides arecording sheet from a recording sheet placing position to a recordingsheet recording position. Moreover, for example, the sheet guide may bea guide that guides a recording sheet from the recording sheet recordingposition to a recording sheet ejecting position.

Further, according to the invention, it is possible to place theconveying means, the conveying driving sources and the transmissionmechanisms close together, and it is possible to make the common framespace-saving. Consequently, it is possible to further downsize the imageforming apparatus. Moreover, as the conveying means, the conveyingdriving sources and the transmission mechanisms are supported on the onecommon frame, it is possible to share part or all of them.

Further, according to the invention, a single common driving sourcedisposed to the common frame drives the recording sheet conveying meansand the original sheet conveying means. Consequently, it is possible todecrease the number of driving sources, whereby it is possible to make aspace for installing the driving sources small, and it is possible toconfigure so as to be small in size at a low cost.

Further, according to the invention, the amount of heat generated fromthe common sheet conveying driving source is suppressed, whereby it ispossible to suppress deformation of the common frame due to heat even ifthe common frame is formed with resin. Consequently, even if using thecommon frame molded with resin, it is possible to prevent decrease ofthe quality of image formation by thermal deformation. Moreover, bymaintaining accuracy of conveyance necessary for achieving predeterminedaccuracy of image formation and accuracy of image reading, it ispossible to prevent decrease of the accuracy of image formation and theaccuracy of image reading while suppressing deformation by heat.

For example, in order to decrease a torque necessary for the commonsheet conveying driving source, part or all of power transmission fromthe common sheet conveying driving source to the original sheetconveying means may be prevented in a case where a recording sheetconveying operation is performed. Moreover, in a case where an originalsheet conveying operation is performed, part or all of powertransmission from the common sheet conveying driving source to therecording sheet conveying means may be prevented. Furthermore, pressingforce for holding a sheet by the conveying roller and the pinch rollermay be decreased.

Further, according to the invention, in one of recording sheetconveyance state and original sheet conveyance state, power transmissionto the conveying means used for the other sheet conveyance is prevented,whereby it is possible to decrease a torque necessary for the commonsheet conveying driving source. Therefore, it is possible to suppressthe amount of heat generated from the common sheet conveying drivingsource, and even if using the common frame molded with resin, it ispossible to prevent decrease of the quality of image formation resultingfrom increase in temperature caused by heat generation of the commonsheet conveying driving source.

Further, according to the invention, the switching means switches astate of power transmission of the common sheet driving source inconnection with a movement of the movable recording unit. Consequently,it is possible to realize the switching means with a simpleconfiguration. Moreover, by switching a state of power transmission ofthe common sheet driving source by using a movement force when themovable recording unit moves, it is possible to easily switch the powertransmission state without additionally disposing a power source forswitching the power transmission state. Consequently, it is possible tosimplify the control and configuration, whereby it is possible toconfigure at a low cost and downsize.

Further, according to the invention, a planet gear and a sun gear areused, whereby it is possible to switch to an original sheet conveyablestate by controlling a position of the movable recording unit.Consequently, it is possible to switch a transmission state with asimple configuration, so that it is not necessary to additionallydispose driving means for switching the transmission state, and it ispossible to downsize the image forming apparatus and configure at a lowcost.

Further, according to the invention, the movable recording unit isguided in the crossing direction by the plurality of metal guide bodies,whereby it is possible to keep a uniform interval between the movablerecording unit and a recording sheet. Moreover, even if the common framemolded with resin is deformed by heat or external force, it is possibleto accurately move the movable recording unit in the crossing direction,and it is possible to prevent decrease of the quality of a recordedimage.

Further, according to the invention, the image forming apparatus is afacsimile apparatus. By using the common frame as described above, it ispossible to downsize portions that perform image reading and imageformation and, even if communication control means, a dial operatingportion and so on are disposed, it is possible to downsize the facsimileapparatus as a whole.

Moreover, in the case of formation of an image presented by image dataacquired via a communication line onto a recording sheet, there is acase where the quality of the image presented by the image data sentfrom the sender is low due to problems of a transmission speed, theamount of transmitted data and soon. In such a case, by using the commonframe, it is possible to form the image presented by the image data sentfrom the sender of required image quality, as well as it is possible todownsize and form at a low cost.

1. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheetby moving a movable recording unit in a crossing direction crossing adirection of conveyance of the recording sheet while conveying therecording sheet, and that reads an image formed on an original sheet bya reading unit while conveying the original sheet, the image formingapparatus comprising: a common frame that includes a recording componentsupporting frame portion that supports a recording component forrecording an image on a recording sheet, and a reading componentsupporting frame portion that supports a reading component for readingan image formed on an original sheet, wherein the common frame isrealized by integral molding with resin.
 2. The image forming apparatusof claim 1, wherein the common frame has a pair of side wall portionsformed on both sides in the crossing direction, and a plurality ofconnecting portions that connect the pair of side wall portions andextend in the crossing direction, and the connecting portion includes asheet guide that guides at least one of a recording sheet and anoriginal sheet at the time of conveyance of a sheet.
 3. The imageforming apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: recording sheetconveying means for conveying a recording sheet; a recording sheetconveying driving source for conveying a recording sheet; a recordingsheet transmission mechanism that transmits power from the recordingsheet conveying driving source to the recording sheet conveying means;original sheet conveying means for conveying an original sheet; anoriginal sheet conveying driving source for conveying an original sheet;and an original sheet transmission mechanism that transmits power fromthe original sheet conveying driving source to the original sheetconveying means, wherein the recording sheet conveying means, therecording sheet conveying driving source, the recording sheettransmission mechanism, the original sheet conveying means, the originalsheet conveying driving source and the original sheet transmissionmechanism are supported by the common frame.
 4. The image formingapparatus of claim 3, wherein the recording sheet conveying drivingsource and the original sheet conveying driving source are realized by asingle common sheet conveying driving source.
 5. The image formingapparatus of claim 4, wherein a torque necessary for the common sheetconveying driving source is set so as to become as small as possiblewhile the required accuracy of conveyance is maintained.
 6. The imageforming apparatus of claim 4, further comprising switching means for, inone of recording sheet conveyance state and original sheet conveyancestate, preventing transmission of power to the conveying means used forthe other sheet conveyance.
 7. The image forming apparatus of claim 6,wherein the switching means operates in connection with displacement andmovement of the movable recording unit.
 8. The image forming apparatusof claim 7, wherein the switching means prevents transmission of powerto the original sheet conveying means from the common sheet conveyingdriving source when the movable recording unit has moved to an imageforming position to perform image formation, and allows transmission ofpower to the original sheet conveying means from the common sheetconveying driving source when the movable recording unit has moved to astandby position to stand by when image formation is not performed. 9.The image forming apparatus of claim 8, wherein the original sheettransmitting means includes a sun gear rotated by power given from thecommon sheet conveying driving source, a planet gear formed so as tomesh with the sun gear and make an angular displacement in a perimeterdirection of the sun gear, and a revolving arm member that supports theplanet gear so as to make an angular displacement in the perimeterdirection of the sun gear, the original sheet conveying means includes ameshing gear capable of meshing with the planet gear having beendisplaced to a predetermined meshing position, and an original sheetconveying roller that rotates in accordance with rotation of the meshinggear and conveys an original sheet, and the switching means has aswitching member that, when the movable recording unit has moved to thestandby position, is displaced by the movable recording unit to displacethe planet gear to the meshing position, and that, when the movablerecording unit has moved to a not standby position, is displaced by themovable recording unit to displace the planet gear to a not meshingposition.
 10. The image forming apparatus of claims 1, furthercomprising two or more metal guiding bodies that extend from the oneside wall portion to the other side wall portion of the common frame andguide the movable recording unit in the crossing direction.
 11. Theimage forming apparatus of any one of claims 1, wherein the imageforming apparatus is a facsimile apparatus.